Water agitation system for water retention structure

ABSTRACT

A water agitation system for use with a water retention structure, such as a bird bath or livestock water trough, includes a motor operatively connected to a drive shaft, and a blade assembly extending outwardly from the drive shaft. The motor is operable to rotate the blade assembly in order to impart motion to water retained within the water retention structure.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/643,055 entitled “Water Agitation System for Water RetentionStructure,” filed Aug. 18, 2003, which, in turn, relates to and claimspriority benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/461,964 entitled “Water Agitator for Bird Baths,” filed Apr. 10,2003, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to water retention structures,such as bird bath basins, livestock water tanks/troughs, swimming pools,small ponds, fish tanks, and the like, and more specifically to a wateragitator for placement in a water retention structure, to agitate orcirculate water contained in the water retention structure.

Various water retention structures exist for a variety of purposes. Forexample, bird baths retain water for birds to bathe and frolic; swimmingpools retain water for recreational purposes; backyard ponds retainwater for aesthetic purposes (such as a habitat for small fish);livestock water tanks/troughs hold water for livestock to drink; watertowers store water for various uses; and so on.

Bird baths are popular for attracting birds to residential homes, forexample, and they may promote an interest in, and the well-being of,birds. An exemplary bird bath is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,666,issued Nov. 26, 2002 to Thomas K Reusche, and assigned to AlliedPrecision Industries, Inc., which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a bird bath 100. The bird bath100 includes a base 102 that supports a column 104, which in turnsupports a basin 106. The basin 106 is configured to receive and retainwater.

It is known to provide pumps for imparting motion to the water in thebird bath basin. Movement of the water tends to attract birds to thebath. It also reduces the potential for the bird bath to serve as ahaven for insects, e.g., mosquitoes, bacteria, germs, and the like.Water movement, or circulation, within the bird bath is particularlyimportant given the recent rise of West Nile virus within the UnitedStates. However, pumps typically require access to an electrical outletand are therefore not suitable when an electrical outlet is not readilyavailable. Additionally, existing birdbaths cannot be easily retrofittedwith such pumps.

Stagnant water in water retention structures typically increases therate of breeding of insects, bacteria, germs, and the like. Further,stagnant, stale water is typically undesirable for a host of additionalreasons. For example, the taste, odor and physical appearance ofstagnant, stale water may be objectionable.

Thus, a need exists for an apparatus for imparting motion to waterretained within water retaining structures, such as bird baths andlivestock water tanks/troughs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A water agitation system adapted to be positioned within a waterretention structure configured to receive and retain water, includes amain body positioned within a water retention area of the waterretention structure. The water retention structure may be a basin of abird bath, a livestock water tank/trough, a swimming pool, water tower,or a pond. The main body includes a base removably secured to a cover,and an inner compartment defined between the base and cover. A sealmember may be interposed between the cover and the base. The system alsoincludes at least one support member that supports the main body above abottom surface of the water retention structure. The support membersinclude a plurality of legs that extend downwardly from the main body.Optionally, the system may include a flotation member configured toallow the system to float on water within the water retention structure.

An agitator is operatively connected to a motor that is positionedwithin the inner compartment of the main body. The agitator is connectedto a distal end of a drive shaft that extends outwardly from the mainbody. At least one blade extends from a lateral surface of the driveshaft that is rotatably driven by the motor in order to impart motion towater retained within the water retention structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a bird bath.

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a water agitation systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of a water agitation systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of a water agitation systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate isometric views of a water agitation systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a top elevation view of the water agitationsystem of FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate side elevation views of the water agitationsystem of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom plan view of the water agitation system ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 10 illustrates a water retention structure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side elevation view of a water agitation systemaccording to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of a water agitation systemaccording to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system accordingto another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system accordingto another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system accordingto another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system accordingto another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system accordingto another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, certainembodiments. It should be understood, however, that the presentinvention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shownin the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 2-9 illustrate a water agitation system 10 according to anembodiment of the present invention. The water agitation system 10 maybe sized and constructed for placement in the basin of a bird bath, suchas the bird bath 100 shown in FIG. 1, for imparting motion to watercontained in the basin. Optionally, the water agitation system 10 may besized and constructed for use with livestock water tanks/troughs, smallponds, swimming pools, water towers, and various other water retainingstructures.

FIG. 10 illustrates a water retention structure 108, in general. Thewater retention structure 108 includes a main body 110 defined by outerwalls, which in turn define an interior cavity 112. The interior cavity112 is configured to receive and retain water. The water retentionstructure 108 may also include a series of pumps, pipes, and the like(not shown) in order to allow the passage of water into and out of theinterior cavity 112. The water retention system 108 may be formed invarious shapes and sizes and may have an open top (such as a basin of abird bath), or may be completely enclosed (such as a water tower). Forexample, the water retention structure 108 may be a basin of a bird bathsuch as the bird bath 100 shown in FIG. 1, a swimming pool, a livestockwater trough, a backyard pond, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a water agitation system 10according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water agitatorgenerally comprises a housing 12, a motor 14 (shown in FIG. 5A)positioned within the housing 12, and an agitating mechanism, oragitator, 16 driven by the motor 14 so as to impart motion to watercontained within a water retention structure, such as a basin of a birdbath.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of the water agitation system10 of FIG. 2. The housing 12 includes a base 18 and a cover 20 thatdefine an inner compartment 22 (shown, e.g., in FIG. 5A).

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate isometric views of the water agitation system10 of FIG. 2, with the cover 20 of the housing 12 removed. The motor 14is mounted within the inner compartment 22 to protect against moisture.The motor 14 may be battery operated such that batteries 24 (or battery)are also positioned within the inner compartment 22 to protect them frommoisture. Positive and negative terminals 26, 28 interconnect thebatteries 24 with the motor 14 for supplying power to the motor 14. Thepositive connection terminal 26 may be a conductive plate, whereas thenegative terminal 28 may be a spring member. The upper surface 19 of thebase 18 includes integrally formed features for supporting the motor 14,the batteries 24, and connection terminals 26, 28 within the housing 12.Specifically, the base 18 defines a motor compartment 30 for the motor14, battery compartments 32 for the batteries 24, and mounting brackets34 for the terminals 26, 28.

Optionally, the water agitation system 10 may be configured to receivepower from an electrical outlet. That is, the water agitation system 10may not use batteries, but instead may receive power from a standardelectrical outlet or power source. Also, the water agitation system 10may be operatively connected to a solar cell, such that the wateragitation system 10 is operated through solar power.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 18 and the cover 20 may bemolded from a polymeric material such as plastic. The cover 20 may bedome shaped, but may also be shaped and sized in various otherconfigurations without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. The cover 20 may be removably connected to the base 18 toprovide access to the inner compartment 22 in order, for example, toreplace the batteries 24. A variety of methods may be used forinterconnecting the cover 20 and the base 18. For example, the cover 20and base 18 may be interconnected by a threaded connection.Alternatively, the base 18 may snapably, latchably, or otherwiseremovably engage the cover 20. A seal member (not shown) may beinterposed between the cover 20 and the base 18 for sealing againstmoisture infiltration into the housing 12. The seal member may be in theform of a compressible elastomeric seal, such as a rubber o-ring.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of the water agitation system10 of FIG. 2. The agitating mechanism 16 is driven by the motor 14 so asto impart motion to water contained within a water retention structure.In the illustrated embodiments, the agitating mechanism 16 includes ablade assembly 40 that is rotatably driven by the motor 14. Theagitating mechanism 16 is configured to agitate water within a waterretaining structure. That is, the blade assembly 40 is rotated in orderto agitate, stir, circulate, or otherwise move surrounding water withina water retaining structure.

The blade assembly 40 is shown having two blades 42, but fewer or agreater number of blades may be provided. A drive shaft 44 interconnectsthe motor 14 to the blade assembly 40. The drive shaft 44 has a firstend 45 connected to the motor 14 and a second end 47 connected to theblade assembly 40. The drive shaft 44 passes through the housing 12 in asealed manner. The blades 42 extend outwardly from lateral surfaces 43of the drive shaft 44 in directions defined by line A that isperpendicular to a longitudinal axis X of the drive shaft 44. Inoperation, the motor 14 rotates the drive shaft 44 in a direction shownby B. Because the blade assembly 40 is connected to the second end 47 ofthe drive shaft 44, the blades 42 of the blade assembly 40 move in thesame direction. The movement of the blades 42 in the B direction withina water retention area of a water retention structure causes acorresponding movement, or circulation, of water within the waterretention area. That is, the movement of the blades 42 imparts movementof water within the water retention area.

Optionally, the blades 42 may extend outwardly from the drive shaft indifferent directions. Also, the blades 42 may be placed at differentpositions along the length of the drive shaft 44.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 3, the drive shaft 44 passes through thebase 18 of the housing 12. As such, the blade assembly 40 is locatedbelow the base 18 of the housing 12. A support structure 48 is providedfor supporting the housing 12 above the water retention structure. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the support structure 48 includes aplurality of legs 50 that extend downwardly from the base 18. In theillustrated embodiment, the legs 50 are U-shaped. Each support leg 50includes a pair of upstanding members 52 and a lower cross member 54that interconnects the lower ends 51 of the upstanding members 52 andabuts the surface of the water retention structure. The upper ends 53 ofthe upstanding members 52 are connected to the base 18. The base 18includes integral mounting brackets 58 that are configured to receivethe upstanding members.

Alternatively, the drive shaft 44 may extend upwardly from the housing12, in order to locate the blade assembly 40 above the housing 12. Insuch a design, the support structure 50 may be eliminated and thehousing 12 may rest directly on the upper surface of the water retentionstructure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of the water agitation system10 of FIG. 2. The water agitation system 10 may include a switch ortimer, such as a photocell sensor 62, for selectively delivering powerto the motor 14. The photocell sensor 62 is interconnected with themotor for activating the motor 14 in the presence of light anddeactivating the motor 14 in the absence of light. The photocell sensor62 may be used to activate the motor 14 during the day and to deactivatethe motor 14 at night to conserve battery power. Alternatively, a switch(not shown) may be provided to allow the user to manuallyactivate/deactivate the motor 14. As another alternative, a timer (notshown) may be provided to allow the user to set the time(s) during whichthe motor 14 is active and inactive. When a photocell is provided, itmay also be desirable to provide a bypass mechanism for bypassing thephotocell. Such a bypass mechanism may take the form of a switch (notshown). Alternatively, a wire within the housing can be moved betweenterminals to bypass the photocell.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side elevation view of a water agitation system 80according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Thewater agitation system 80 includes a housing 82 that encloses a motor(as discussed above) and a base 84 integrally formed with a flotationmember 86. Similar to the embodiments described above, an agitator 88having a blade assembly 90 is operatively connected to the motor. Thewater agitation system 80 is similar to the water agitation system 10except that the system 80 includes a flotation member 86, but does notinclude support structures, such as the support structures 48 shown, forexample, in FIG. 3. The flotation member 86 has channels 87 formedtherethrough. The flotation member 86 may be a ring of buoyant material,such as Styrofoam, or an airtight tube filled with air. In particular,the flotation member may be a rubber tube or membrane that may be filledwith air. In this case, the rubber membrane protects the motor andcomponents within the housing 82 against water infiltration. Instead ofa ring, the flotation member 86 may include a plurality of pontoonspositioned underneath the housing 82. Preferably, the flotation member86 provides enough buoyancy to ensure that the water agitation system 80floats so that the agitator 88 does not abut against a surface of awater retention structure. Optionally, the flotation member 86 may bepositioned within the housing 82, instead of extending downwardly fromthe base 84, as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of a water agitation system 200according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.The water agitation system 200 includes a water agitation assembly 202that is electrically connected to a remote power pack 204 through awater proof cable, or wire, 206. The water agitation assembly 202 ispositioned within a water retention structure 208, such as a bird bathbasin. The power pack 204 houses batteries, or may optionally provide anelectrical connection between the water agitation assembly 202 and anelectrical outlet. The water agitation assembly 202 houses a motor thatoperatively connects to a drive shaft having an agitation mechanism (asdescribed above). Because the power pack 204 is located remotely fromthe water agitation assembly 202, less space within the water retentionstructure is occupied by the water agitation assembly 202.

FIG. 13 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system 300according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.The water agitation system 300 includes an agitator 302 integrallyformed with a drive shaft 304, which is in turn operatively connected toa motor positioned within a housing 306. The housing 306 is connected toa beam 308 that connects to a mounting bracket 310 that is secured to aportion of a water retention structure 312. The housing 306 may or maynot include a battery compartment as discussed above with respect toother embodiments. The water agitation system 300 is configured so thatthe agitator 302 is positioned within water 314 retained by the waterretention structure 312. The agitator 302 may be configured to float onthe water 314 (e.g., the agitator 302 may be formed of a buoyantmaterial such as Styrofoam or the like) or to be submerged within thewater 314.

The beam 308 may flex in the directions of D depending on the waterlevel within the water retention structure 312. That is, if the agitator302 floats on the water 314, the agitator 302 rises and falls dependingon the water level. The movement of the agitator 302 causes the housing306 to move in response thereto, which in turn causes the beam 308 toflex accordingly.

FIG. 14 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system 400according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.The system 400 includes a housing 402 having a motor that is operativelyconnected to a flexible wire 404. An agitator 406 is connected to adistal end 407 of the flexible wire 404. The housing 402 is supported bya bracket 408, which is secured to a portion of a water retentionstructure 410. The system 400 may include a battery compartment or itmay be electrically connected to a standard electrical outlet.

The agitator 406 may be formed of a buoyant material and float on thesurface of the water 412. The flexible wire 404 may be rigid enough toretain a general curved shape as shown in FIG. 14. Similar to the system300, the level of the water 412 may cause the wire 404 to move inresponse thereto in the directions of E. The motor operates to rotatethe wire 404, which is securely attached to the agitator 406. Thus, theagitator rotates in response to the rotation of the wire 404.

FIG. 15 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system 500according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.The system 500 includes a housing 502 having a motor that is operativelyconnected to an angled drive shaft 504. The angled drive shaft 504 isangled such that an agitator 506 that is secured to a distal end 507 ofthe drive shaft 504 is positioned within water 508 retained within awater retention structure 510. The housing 502 is supported by a bracket512, which is secured to a portion of the water retention structure 510.The system 500 may include a battery compartment or it may beelectrically connected to a standard electrical outlet.

FIG. 16 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system 600according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.The system 600 includes a housing 602 having a motor that is operativelyconnected to a flexible wire 604. An agitator 606 is connected to adistal end 607 of the flexible wire 604. The housing 602 is supported bya bracket 608, which is secured to a portion of a water retentionstructure 610. The system 600 may include a battery compartment or itmay be electrically connected to a standard electrical outlet.

The agitator 606 may be formed of a buoyant material and float on thesurface of water 612 retained by the water retention structure 610. Theflexible wire 604 may be float on the surface of the water 612 orsubmerge into the water 512. The motor operates to rotate the wire 604,which is securely attached to the agitator 606. Thus, the agitatorrotates in response to the rotation of the wire 604.

FIG. 17 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system 700according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.The water agitation system 700 is similar to the water agitation system300 shown in FIG. 13 except that the water agitation system 700 is notmounted to a portion of the water retention structure 702. Instead, thehousing 704 having a motor operatively connected to a drive shaft 706 isconnected to a beam 708. The beam 708 is, in turn connected to amounting member 710, which is supported by an upright member 712. Theupright member 712 is separate and distinct from the water retentionstructure 702. The upright member 712 may be connected to a portion of apedestal 714 supporting the water retention structure 702. Optionally,the upright member 712 may not be connected to the pedestal 714, andinstead may be mounted directly into the ground. The upright member 712may be a decorative pole or a statue capable of supporting the wateragitation system 700. Alternatively, the water agitation systems 400,500, and 600 may all be mounted to an upright member, such as uprightmember 712, instead of mounting to a portion of the water retentionstructure.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus forimparting motion to water retained within water retaining structures,such as a bird bath. As discussed above, embodiments of the presentinvention may be used with various types of water retention structures,such as swimming pools, bird baths, ponds, and the like, in which watermay stagnate. Embodiments of the present invention may be sized andshaped according to the size and shape of the water retention structurein which the water agitation system is used. The water agitation systemmay be battery powered, solar powered, or powered through a standardelectrical outlet.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferredembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will includeall embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A water agitation system adapted to be positioned within a waterretention structure configured to receive and retain water, said systemcomprising: a main body positioned within a water retention area of thewater retention structure, said main body having a base removablysecured to a cover, and an inner compartment defined between said baseand cover, a flotation member integrally formed with said base, saidflotation member configured to allow said main body to float on waterretained within the water retention structure; an agitator operativelyconnected to a motor positioned within said inner compartment of saidmain body, said agitator connected to a distal end of a drive shaft thatextends outwardly from said main body, said agitator having at least oneblade extending from a lateral surface of said drive shaft that isrotatably driven by said motor in order to impart motion to waterretained within the water retention structure.
 2. The water agitationsystem of claim 1, wherein said water retention structure is a basin ofa bird bath.
 3. The water agitation system of claim 1, wherein saidwater retention structure is a livestock water trough.
 4. The wateragitation system of claim 1, wherein said water retention structure isone of a swimming pool, water tower, and pond.
 5. The water agitationsystem of claim 1, further comprising a seal member interposed betweensaid cover and said base.
 6. The water agitation system of claim 1,wherein said motor is battery powered.
 7. The water agitation system ofclaim 1, wherein said motor is electrically connected to a standardelectrical outlet.
 8. The water agitation system of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one of a switch, timer and sensor for selectivelyactivating and deactivating said motor.
 9. A water agitation systemconfigured to be mounted to a portion of a water retention structureconfigured to receive and retain water, said system comprising: a mainbody configured to be supported by one of a portion of the waterretention structure and an upright member proximate the water retentionstructure; and an agitator operatively connected to a motor housedwithin said main body, said agitator connected to a distal end of arotatable member that extends outwardly from said main body, said motorconfigured to rotate said agitator in order to impart motion to waterretained within the water retention structure.
 10. The water agitationsystem of claim 9, wherein said rotatable member is an angled driveshaft.
 11. The water agitation system of claim 9, wherein said rotatablemember is a flexible wire.
 12. The water agitation system of claim 9,wherein said main body is mounted to the portion of the water retentionstructure through a beam connected to a mounting bracket.
 13. The wateragitation system of claim 12, wherein said mounting bracket is mountedon one of a portion of the water retention structure and said uprightmember.
 14. The water agitation system of claim 9, wherein said agitatoris formed of a buoyant material.
 15. The water agitation system of claim9, wherein said water retention structure is a basin of a bird bath. 16.The water agitation system of claim 9, wherein said water retentionstructure is a livestock water trough.
 17. The water agitation system ofclaim 9, wherein said water retention structure is one of a swimmingpool, water tower, and pond.
 18. The water agitation system of claim 9,wherein said main body comprises a base removably secured to a cover,and an inner compartment defined between said base and cover, said motorbeing positioned within said inner compartment.
 19. The water agitationsystem of claim 18, further comprising a seal member interposed betweensaid cover and said base.
 20. The water agitation system of claim 9,wherein said motor is battery powered.
 21. The water agitation system ofclaim 9, wherein said motor is electrically connected to a standardelectrical outlet.
 22. The water agitation system of claim 9, furthercomprising at least one of a switch, timer and sensor for selectivelyactivating and deactivating said motor.
 23. The water agitation systemof claim 9, wherein said agitator comprises at least one blade extendingfrom a lateral surface of said rotatable member that is rotatably drivenby said motor.